Arts Kensington
Intimate boutique with an artsy edge. Contemporary without being cold. Gas fireplaces, design-centric rooms, and a river-view patio — but sitting in a casual, walkable neighbourhood rather than a downtown tower. Feels more like a very good private club than a hotel.
Always book direct: you get free underground parking, free breakfast, and beat-any-rate guarantee (10% lower than any competitor price in CAD)
Why It Matters
Only 19 rooms means staff genuinely know your name. Formerly a Relais & Châteaux property, now independent under Hotel Arts Group. The on-site Oxbow restaurant has real ambition. Complimentary underground parking and continental breakfast included when booking direct — rare value at this price point.
A 19-room boutique hotel on Memorial Drive, right on the Bow River in Calgary's Kensington neighbourhood. Formerly the Kensington Riverside Inn — once a Relais & Châteaux property — it rebranded under the Hotel Arts Group in 2018, trading the old-school inn format for something warmer and more design-forward. The rooms are genuinely good: gas fireplaces in most categories, deep soaker tubs, granite vanities, and curated art throughout. Oxbow, the on-site restaurant, punches well above its weight for a hotel dining room. Book direct and parking plus breakfast are both included — no hoops.
Where You'll Stay
4 room types available
Executive King
At 384 sq. ft., a step up from the standard Luxury Room and well suited to a longer stay or anyone who needs real desk space. Gas fireplace with seating, spacious work desk, and the same quality bathroom setup — soaker tub, rain shower, granite vanity.
King
Junior Suite
At 428 sq. ft. with south-facing floor-to-ceiling windows, Junior Suites deliver direct views of the Bow River pathway and Downtown Calgary skyline. There's a gas fireplace, comfortable seating area, and a proper bathroom with soaker tub and rain shower. Plenty of room to actually spread out.
KingLuxury Room
The entry-level room, ranging 300–384 sq. ft. with a queen- or king-sized bed, French doors and windows that actually open, and clean contemporary decor. Several rooms have garden patios for seasonal use, and select rooms include a fireplace. All have the same soaker tub and rain shower bathroom setup as the upper categories.
King or QueenLuxury Suite with Balcony
The top of the range at 560 sq. ft. A gas fireplace, private balcony with Bow River pathway and Downtown Calgary skyline views, and a roomy sitting area make this the one for honeymooners or longer stays. The bathroom is genuinely impressive: separate soaker tub and stand-up spa rain shower, granite vanity with magnifying makeup mirror, and luxury bathrobes.
KingThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The extensive Bow River pathway system starts directly outside the hotel. A favourite 7km loop runs from Poppy Plaza to St. Patrick's Island and back with riverside and skyline views throughout.
The hotel lends bikes to guests at no charge — ideal for the Bow River pathway system that starts right at the front door. The 7km loop from Poppy Plaza to St. Patrick's Island and back runs along the river with great views of Prince's Island Park and the downtown skyline.
Guests get complimentary access to a local gym located two blocks from the hotel. There is no on-site fitness facility.
Sundays 11AM–2PM at $65/person. A proper sit-down afternoon tea with a curated menu of classics and Oxbow originals, plus weekly surprises. Reservations required via OpenTable.
The Oxbow dining room (532 sq. ft., up to 34 for dinner) and the full venue (1,252 sq. ft., up to 90 reception) can be booked for private events — corporate dinners, bridal showers, birthdays. Full-property buyouts including all 19 guestrooms are also available.
Occasional multi-course chef collaboration dinners at Oxbow. Recent example: a 7-course 1970s Nouvelle Cuisine celebration featuring four chefs at $200/person. Bookable via OpenTable experiences.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Oxbow and Hotel Arts Kensington are wheelchair accessible.
A modern lobby with contemporary artwork, Italian leather chairs, and a large fireplace. Bar lounge attached.
Continental breakfast included for all guests booking direct. Reviews note freshly baked muffins and pastries among the highlights.
No enrollment needed. Benefits start from your first stay: room upgrades, guaranteed early/late check-in and check-out, F&B credits at Oxbow, and spa discounts as stay count grows. Calculated on stays per calendar year, not nights.
There is no pool at Hotel Arts Kensington. The pool is at the sister Hotel Arts property at 119 12 Ave SW downtown Calgary.
Evening turn-down with Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut chocolates placed on pillows. Included as standard (and guaranteed from 5+ Collectors Circle stays).
Staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Early arrival bag storage and luggage assistance available.
Heated underground parking included with direct bookings. Guest parking is self-serve. Street parking around the property is free after 6PM.
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